What to do with these old watches?

[2Minnesota]

They are gold fill cases and bands with stainless backs. The Gruen does not work, the Elgin and Bulova do. What should I do with them? Sell in a lot on eBay or scrap pile the cases/band tops? Neither? Or? Thanks for ideas, advice!!

 

[mojjax]

Add more stuff and make a "junk drawer lot "

 

[SEANO]

Sell them on Ebay as a lot. I have done that in the past with very similar watches and works well. Personally, I would start it at 19.99 as a auction.

If someone wants a particular one, they’ll let you know.

 

[2Minnesota]

Thanks. So the gold value in them isn't worth much, under $20?

 

[captain flintlock]

Way under $20! Probably under $1.00. Most gold filled is 1/20 of 12k. So not much for actual gold. But with that being said, they are nice vintage ladies watches! A lot of people still collect those so I'm sure you'll find s buyer. I sold a couple at my yard sale a few weeks ago.

 

[mugsisme]

People use them for parts. Make sure you put how many jewels in the title, 17j; 25j, etc. Sell them as parts, in a lot. Elgin is a good name.

 

[ARC]

Hang them on your Christmas tree...
They are worth more there :P

 

[2Minnesota]

Hang them on your Christmas tree...
They are worth more there :P

Not a bad idea! Lol. The vintage jewelry decorated tree.

 

[billjustbill]

They are gold fill cases and bands with stainless backs. The Gruen does not work, the Elgin and Bulova do. What should I do with them? Sell in a lot on eBay or scrap pile the cases/band tops? Neither? Or? Thanks for ideas, advice!!View attachment 1232954View attachment 1232956

I saw an idea where a person takes old typewriter keys and makes bracelets from the old key tops. Here, take the bands off each of these type of old watches. Using jewelry repair split-rings, connect each old watch to the next one and make a classy and unique bracelet. Use an upscale lobster claw clasp and larger end-ring like most any bracelet usually has and you'll have an eye-catcher.

If you find a true 10k or 14k ladies watch that is running, keeps time, and is a true focus point, use it as the centerpiece of the bracelet and make the bracelet into a good timekeeper. Only the owner will know how to tell the time...

Bill

 

[mugsisme]

Bill! That is a brilliant idea!!!

 

[JimDon]

I could use them for parts. I change out non working ones with stems and switch the stems with broken stem watches. 90% of the time the broken stem watches work. It is easy to do. There is a video on YouTube on how to do it.

 

[Piledriver]

FYI--The spot value of 1/20 12K is about twice that of Sterling.
There are a few refiners who will buy for somewhat less than spot, but there are minimums for each order.